London heads for lockdown: Here's what we know about how coronavirus could shut down the city
Downing Street denies any plan to restrict travel in and out London
Confirmed coronavirus cases in London rise to 953
The total number of coronavirus cases in the London region has risen to 953 according to the latest government figures.
London lockdown announcement could come on Friday
Reports differ on when a potential London lockdown could be announced. However, when asked about the plans on Wednesday, a Downing Street source insisted that nothing would be announced within 48 hours.
This ties with other reports that an announcement is due before the weekend, with new restrictions in place by next week.
40 London Underground stations closed across the city
London Mayor Sadiq Khan announced on Thursday that he will close 40 Tube stations across the city as it prepares for what City Hall officials anticipate will be a broader lockdown.
Khan is also reducing the frequency of services on the Tube, overground and buses, as many Londoners move to working from home.
You can read the full plans here.
NEW: @TfL have announced a reduced service to enable key workers to make essential journeys.
➡️ Up to 40 stations now closed
➡️ Waterloo and City line and the Night Tube suspended from tomorrow
Details here. Please check before you travel: #COVID19 https://t.co/OMc1nd9rVP pic.twitter.com/xlBF18Xett
City Hall kept in the dark over London lockdown
Sources close to London Mayor Sadiq Khan say that he has been kept in the dark about what the national government is planning for London.
Two sources close to London's Mayor Sadiq Khan told Business Insider that he had not been consulted about any lockdown.
"We haven't heard anything from them about this," one said.
City Hall officials believe the secrecy may be due to the government remaining unsure about the extent of any lockdown.
"Maybe Downing Street don't know [when this will happen]" they explained.
"Maybe Downing Street don't know [when this will happen]."
Could Paris be the model for London's lockdown?
Other European cities have already implemented lockdowns on their major cities.
In Paris, residents require a form before they are authorised to leave their homes, Business Insider reported earlier this week.
The Financial Times reports that similar plans were being considered for London.
However, Downing Street deny that such restrictive measures are under consideration.
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